CRADLE cares

There is a new phenomenon in America. Since everyone has now become dependent on the government for everything, they have learned that there are certain things you can’t do if you are to receive your cash from the feds. For example, anything that is in any way spiritually oriented is now taboo if you choose to accept the government money.

Last week I met with three wonderful women who are not intimidated by the system because they run a ministry that accepts no government funding. So they take care of an extreme need in our community, and unapologetically begin and end everything they do with prayer. If this sounds like something you can get behind - read on.

CRADLE is a unique organization of volunteers who have banded together for the purpose of service. They reach out to women and families by offering free pregnancy tests, pre/post abortion counseling, maternity and infant clothing, infant supplies, parenting education and biblical counseling and bible studies. Here is what you may have thought was not possible: They offer all of these services for free and get no government money. How do they do it? Churches and individuals invest in the ministry on a regular basis.

One of the things these wonderful ladies, Jill Mullins, Denise Haney-Hurley and Donna Clark, told me is that they need new cribs. Because of safety laws, they cannot accept used cribs. But they do need new cribs, as well as all other supplies for mothers, mothers-to-be, and infants.

It might make a great project for your group or organization to get behind CRADLE and get a crib or two and donate them. It is one of those great causes with all upsides. It provides a direct service to a specialized segment of our society that often falls through the cracks. It takes care of our most important citizens, our babies and children. It also gives women hope through love and prayer - something they will find very little of if they deal with a lot of segments of our society today.

The founder of CRADLE was Maura Pilet.

“As a nurse-midwife, she saw this huge need in the community to reach these new moms with spiritual and physical help,” Haney-Hurley said. “And as she would see these babies being born to these children, she saw, initially, a need for not only the gospel, but maternity health — pregnancy-related health, and she put together our original mission and vision and values. And we have stuck to that, and continue to grow under the scriptures and using the bible as the sole authority for our counseling, our discipleship, our evangelism, our outreach.”

I walked in early in the morning last week to the three of them praying. I joined in, and afterwards felt the love that they have for these very special people they choose to serve. I was moved by the spirit I felt in the room, and the love that emanated from these wonderful women.

I would like to see Sunday School groups, civic organizations, and you individuals out there, get behind CRADLE and donate a crib or two, and ask what else they need for these moms and babies, and throw some of those things in as well.

Anyone needing their services can just walk in, Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., at their offices at 1112 Gallia St. in Portsmouth, or they can call 740-354-CARE. You can also call that number to ask how you can help and what they need in the way of supplies.

Matthew 25:35-40 reads - “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com. For breaking news, follow Frank on Twitter @FrankLewisPDT.

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